Dodge Demon Concept will debut in Geneva

Congrats to Dodge and the boys at DaimlerChrysler for keeping the Dodge Demon Concept completely under wraps until now. As of 12:01AM on 2/12, however, the embargo has lifted and we're allowed to tell you about this Dodge-branded MX-5 killa destined to debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. It's no accident that we've invoked the Mazda MX-5 so quickly as a comparison for the Demon Concept, as Dodge freely admits the Japanese roadster was its benchmark when designing the car. The Demon is a smidge shorter than the MX-5, though a bit wider, taller and heavier. Unlike the concept's shown by DaimlerChrysler so far this autoshow season like the Chrysler Nassau and Jeep Trailhawk, the Demon Concept has been built from the ground up and uses no existing platform. It does, however, use one of DCX's existing engines – the 2.4L four-cylinder World Engine that sends 172 horsepower and 165 ft-lbs. of torque to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. Dodge officials tell us a number of engines could be used in the Demon, including the 1.8 or 2.0L World Engine. A 300-hp motor, probably the one that powers the Caliber SRT-4, was also spoken of when we were initially introduced to the Demon by DCX.

There's more info after the jump, and have a gander at our gallery of 28 high-resolution pics to judge the Demon's design for yourself. You can also read the official press release from Dodge after the jump.

[Source: Dodge]

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It's no accident the Demon looks somewhat like a mini Viper, as Dodge designers were trying to capture some of that aspirational vehicle's charisma in an attainable package. Thus, the bold cross-hair grille that's a Dodge staple sits front and center ahead of a long hood and small windshield. The wheel openings on the Demon are assymetrical, which is a bit unusual, as is the characther line that's angled downward from the top of the front fender to brake-cooling ducts placed ahead of the rear wheels. The rear of the Demon is visually the most complicated with many intersecting lines and planes. We're actually more fond of the Demon's elegantly simple interior than its somewhat convoluted exterior. The driver faces a wide dash comprised of large, simple shapes that make operating the Demon and its systems apparently a breeze.

Geneva – The Dodge Demon concept is a compact, nimble "roadster with an attitude," a perfect balance of classic sports car proportion and simplicity blended with modern design and performance.

"While the iconic Dodge Viper is a dream car for many, the Dodge Demon is designed to be an attainable dream car," said Jae Chung – Dodge Demon Principal Exterior Designer, Chrysler Group. "The exterior design is simple yet bold, featuring an energetic combination of curves and intersecting planes."

The bodyside of the Dodge Demon main character line flows up and over the front wheel, then drops diagonally to an angular color-keyed vent on the rear fender that directs cooling air to the rear brakes. In similar fashion, the compound rear fender surface curves up and over the rear wheel, sweeping into a broad diagonal plane extending to the taillamp. The resulting muscular fender form projects boldly beyond the main body, underscoring that the Dodge Demon concept is a rear-wheel-drive machine.

The rear surface of the body is divided into three planes with two chamfered outboard planes, dominated by long, tapering trapezoidal taillamps. The taillamps sport translucent red inset lenses that surround LED back-up lamps.

Up front, the signature Dodge crosshair grille is stuffed into an aggressive, menacing, trapezoidal opening that thrusts boldly forward.

Set into elongated angled triangles, the projector headlamps, delineated by bright rings, are set into black chrome bezels, giving the front end mean-looking "eyes" that accentuate the grille opening. Encompassing the upper portions of the front fenders and sporting two recessed air outlets, the Dodge Demon's hood is hinged at the front, adding a just-for-fun performance-car look and feel.

Featuring an open-spoke design, the wheels are pushed to the corners of the body for a dramatic stance and capable performance. The 19-inch brushed aluminum wheels are set into assertive, asymmetrical openings that reprise the body's playful combination of curves and planes.

The beltline kicks up at the rear and into the higher deck lid contour, giving the lucky occupants an encapsulated, protective feeling.

"In the manner of timeless British sports cars, the interior of the Dodge Demon is purposely functional, not frivolous," said Dan Zimmermann – Dodge Demon Principal Interior Designer. "Everything relating to the driving experience is emphasized, while that which is not is made visually secondary.

"The well laid out instrument panel, for example, is familiar, yet modern. Everything you really need – the gauges, circular AC outlets, radio – is encapsulated in a cross-car brushed aluminum bezel that also accentuates the width of the cabin. Secondary controls and features, such as the HVAC knobs and the passenger-side glove box, are located below this bezel," Zimmerman added.

In a similar functional manner, the floor console is deliberately not a part of, or attached to, the instrument panel. The console is dominated by the squat ready-at-hand silver and black manual shift knob, and its leather boot is set into a bright trim ring. The wide, brushed aluminum console bezel also incorporates the recessed emergency brake handle, with the window switch gear, softly lit cup holders and 12V power outlet organized into a graphically unified shape. The upper portion of the instrument panel, including the cluster brow, is accented by a stitched seam with contrasting silver thread.

"Each of these features is set flush, or nearly flush, with the bezel surface so as to establish a 'clear zone' for the driver's shift arm in all seating positions, with nothing in the way of the driving experience," Zimmerman said.

The raised plateau at the rear of the console incorporates a covered storage bin – with a lid that serves as an armrest between shifts – while the portion of the console extending under the instrument panel has an open bin handy for incidentals.

The steering wheel employs an aluminum open-spoke design with each of the three spokes intersecting the small circular hub for a timeless sports car look. The wheel rim itself is brushed aluminum on the inside, complemented with stitched vinyl on the outer rim. Immediately forward of the wheel, the four-gauge cluster features classic white-on-black dials with graphics inspired by sports watches. Each circular gauge is set handsomely inside a finely detailed silver and chrome bezel ring, while gauge pointers are colored to match the exterior.

The doors feature durable, vertical grab handles, each anchored to a silver bezel housing the chrome door remote handle. The lower portion of each door features a stylish brushed aluminum bezel that encapsulates the large circular speaker grille and then drops sharply as it moves rearward to form the map pocket outer panel, mimicking a feature line on the car's exterior.

The Dodge Demon's seats feature contoured bolsters that are just high enough to provide support when cornering, yet do not hinder ingress or egress. Set in exposed low-gloss carbon fiber shells, the black seats with integral head restraints feature inserts of textured "Momentum" fabric mated to fabric bolsters, with specific sew lines accented by silver thread. Individual brushed aluminum and carbon fiber roll bars are positioned directly behind the bucket seats. With long seat tracks, there is ample storage behind the seats. Additional covered storage is provided in the bulkhead between the seats.

The Dodge Demon concept is an affordable Dodge sports car which merges brand cues of bold design and powerful performance with an open-air "fun-to-drive" attitude.

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Anonymous

8 Years Ago

Cool concept, certainly fun for an auto show. I bet the designer drives a Z4 though, as many of the proportions and details are lifted directly from the BMW. I am an American and therefore find myself rooting for our native manufactures. Dodge, however, needs to reinterpret it's styling cues. The corporate front end looks cartoonish, unrefined and cliche'd in my opinion. The sort of semi boat tail look is also unsuccessful.

I doubt they'll make this car but if Dodge is to become a successful marque again they need to be drastic. Product like the new Avenger will only continue the downward spiral and force Dodge to compete purely on cost in the showroom.

Anonymous

8 Years Ago

If you had to design a roadster for Dodge, and it had to stand out from Honda's S2000, the Miata, Solstice, and Sky, this is perfect. It's definitely a *Dodge* roadster. If it went to production, I bet it wouldn't be "toned down" any. That doesn't really happen so much these days, I've noticed. New cars come out looking 100% like their concepts, and I find myself surprisingly uncomfortable about it all. New cars look like cartoons now. Guess I'm just getting old.

Anonymous

8 Years Ago

I'm a dodge fanatic but... this car needs reworked. I think they can blend the demon and the 1997 copperhead concept together and then they would have a nice looking car. keep front end and hood of the demon but use copperhead bodylines from the front wheels back. Use the 2.4L engine from the SRT-4 300HP six speep tranny rear wheel drive 2600lbs. (SRT-4 neon 2920lbs 14.1 in 1/4 mile at 240hp)looking at a mid 13 second car that would be nice ride. but it will never be made.

Anonymous

Anonymous

8 Years Ago

Wow, good job grafting a Dodge grille onto an S2000, Dodge. It seems that you've made a whole collage of Diahatsu Copen, Nissan 350z and Aston Martin with the rear end. BTW this car is ugly as hell, even if it might have been a good idea at first. I know you're reading these comments, so don't make it until you restyle it. The only thing that says "Dodge" is that grille which you've made look like some sort of unhappy fish. Ew...I think I threw up a little.

Anonymous

8 Years Ago

i really like how this truly seems to be a "Dodge roadster", as was mentioned before. the wacky wheel wells are fairly dope, and although the grill is dopey it works in a weird way.

but let's be honest here, this is by no means a beautiful car. none of the lines seem to have anything to do with each other, and the rear end is just a disaster. it's got a huge ass and the flared rear wheel elements are like thunder thighs. even so the whole thing reminds me of the crossfire ... juvenile, overwrought and ridiculous at first sight, but has the potential to grow on you.